Formal talks due over bin strike

Unison said it hoped formal talks would now be held with the council

Official talks are to take place between unions and the council to try to resolve the Leeds bin strike, which is now in its fourth week.

Representatives have agreed to meet on Monday to see if a resolution to the dispute, which centres on a new pay system, can be found.

The decision comes after informal talks took places between refuse collectors and council staff on Wednesday.

The council said the joint agreement to hold talks was a "very positive sign".

Neil Derrick, of the GMB union, said: "We are pleased that all sides are returning to the table.

"We believe there are ways of resolving this dispute and we welcome the opportunity to discuss those openly."

Benefit concert

Hundreds of refuse and street-cleaning workers have been on strike since 7 September in a row over pay.

The strike centres on union claims that the council plans to cut refuse collectors' annual salaries by up to £5,000 from February 2011 following the introduction of equal pay legislation.

The council has hired private contractors in a bid to sort out overflowing bins and rubbish-strewn streets, which some residents say has led to problems with flies and rats.

Leeds council leader Richard Brett said: "We need to discuss the issue of efficiency improvements if we are able to resolve this dispute."

Meanwhile, unions have announced that a benefit concert is to be held to raise money for the striking workers.

The GMB and Unison said the event will take place in Leeds on 18 October.

Actor Keith Allen, who has a 12-piece band, is among the artists due to appear at the gig.